mummiez & daddiez magazine May - June Issue 2013
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
Are you are a traditional dad in a traditional family, a<br />
non custodial dad, a stay home dad or a stepdad?<br />
Whatever your role within the family I think you will<br />
agree when I say the most precious thing a dad can<br />
give his kids is his quality time. Truly a personal<br />
investment in your children is much more important<br />
to them than any toy, computer game or electronic<br />
gadget. Here are some great, and sometimes<br />
creative, ways to get together with your children in a<br />
positive way.<br />
1. Tell your children a story<br />
Young children love stories. It is a fun way for you to<br />
invest time in their lives. Find out how to become a<br />
great storyteller and enjoy making believe with your<br />
kids. This will make you feel like a child again.<br />
2. Plan a picnic<br />
Spring and summer time is here and this is the<br />
perfect time to be out for a picnic with your children.<br />
Children love to be outdoors with their dad.<br />
3. Take a day trip<br />
Find out how you can plan an effective, positive and<br />
rewarding summer day out and really spent some<br />
time together. <strong>May</strong>be a trip to the zoo, this trip is<br />
always a winner and there are plenty of discussions<br />
to be had at the zoo. Day trips do not always have<br />
to involve spending money a lovely trip to the park<br />
feeding the ducks can be just as effective.<br />
4. Turn off the television<br />
It is frightening how important the television has<br />
become in some families. Sitting together and<br />
watching TV is entertaining, and sometimes<br />
educational, but it does not allow quality ‘together<br />
time’ and interaction.<br />
5. Spend the evening together<br />
Set aside one night, each week for the family and<br />
only the family. You will enjoy this so much you will<br />
wonder what you ever did without it!<br />
6. Grow a garden<br />
Get your hands dirty! What can be better than that<br />
for a great dad-child activity? Explore the world of<br />
gardening and find ways to involve your children in<br />
this interesting and positive activity. You do not<br />
need a garden to do this. You can plant some seeds<br />
such as Sunflowers in old polystyrene egg cartons.<br />
You can plant, water and watch them grow together.<br />
You will be amazed with the amount of joy and<br />
sense of achievement this activity will bring your<br />
child as the seed flower s.<br />
7. Eating Together<br />
So many families struggle to find time to interact.<br />
Many families have found one key to more time<br />
together is planning mealtimes for family<br />
involvement and commitment.<br />
8. Help with homework<br />
For some homework will bring back memories, it<br />
seemed like most of your childhood was consumed<br />
with homework – right? Find some great resources<br />
and tips for being a top flight homework helper, your<br />
children will really appreciate this.<br />
9. Enjoy the cold weather<br />
Even during the winter months, there are things dads<br />
and children can do together. At the park there may<br />
still be lots of crunchy leaves for you to have fun<br />
crunching and lots of twigs on the ground for you to<br />
collect and build something with.<br />
10. The car or public transport<br />
Consider loading your family up for a car trip. While<br />
time travelling in a vehicle is not considered quality<br />
time by some, it can create great memories and a<br />
chance to talk and interact in a different and<br />
enjoyable activity.